TGIF!! I know the holidays look a little different this year and that’s why I wanted to make something with some extra razzle dazzle. So if you’re just hanging out at home or on a holiday zoom call, you can shine too!
Supplies:
- Stretch sequin fabric
- 1/4 yard of stretch twill
- Stretch interfacing
- Stitch witchery fusible hemming tape
- Seam ripper
- Chalk
- Invisible zipper
- Optional: needle and thread
My fabric was gifted from Fabric.com but you can do this project with any STRETCH sequin fabric. I emphasize stretch because it’s going to fit differently over your curves than a non-stretch sequin would.
I used McCall pattern 7983 which was already in my stash. I used the skirt length on view C.
This pattern is your typical pencil skirt pattern but it came with a few extras that I modified. The pattern calls for lining, facing and an exposed zipper in the back. I changed it to suit my needs and decided not to use lining but only the facing. Then I switched out the exposed zipper for an invisible one!
And because I wanted my skirt to be super fitted I went a size down to a 12. I cut my fabric pattern pieces as normal, but made sure to use my cheap fabric scissors to cut over the pailletes (a fancy word for sequins). I made my normal markings and notches.
Next I took my seam ripper and began carefully unpicking the pailletes out of my seam allowance (the borders around my skirt), center back seam by the zipper and near my dart markings. I know this may seem like a really scary step but it will make your project so much easier because your sequins won’t get wedged into your seams. And when that happens you get tiny little daggers poking you as your wear your garment. Believe me, the daggers are real.
Even though the seam allowance is 5/8 I probably removed about a 1/2 inch of sequins and deliberately moved other pailletes out of the way as I sewed.
If you happen to remove too many pailletes (like I did with one of my darts) you can always sew up your darts, then fill in the bald spots with left over sequins. You’ll have to hand sew them back in, but trust me you don’t want a bald skirt. It’s so satisfying once you’ve finished. I promise.
For my facing pieces I used a stretch twill that was already in my stash along with stretch interfacing. Trust me, never make a stretch garment with woven interfacing – your waistband won’t fit. I know this from experience.
Next, sew up your skirt as you would your traditional pencil skirt by following pattern directions.
Anytime I sew sequins I also use fusible hem tape for the bottom hem. It creates a really wonderful and even hem line that is flawless and seamless.
Finally add some accessories and cute shoes with your new skirt and you’re all set!
Until next time, xo!
RAVEN MAUREEN 